Wonderful roles for performers with natural stage presence and big, clear voices. These characters are important for setting up the world and moving the story forward, so cast some bold, energetic young actors.

He may be a big, scary, green ogre to the rest of the world, but as the story reveals, he's really just a big fellow with a big heart. It is great if Shrek is a solid singer, but most importantly, snag a young man who is an excellent actor with comedic chops.

She may appear to be an ideal princess straight from the fairy tale books, but there is more to her than that stereotypical image. She is an audacious young lady with a wonderful sense of humor and - surprisingly - manners akin to those of a teenage boy. Cast a girl who can do it all: act, sing and dance. This is a premiere role for an experienced performer with a loveable spirit.

Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.

Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.

A very short man with gargantuan ambition! He is solely interested in gaining as much power as possible. This is a role for a good singer, but most importantly, your very best comedian who isn't afraid of making bold choices or looking silly.

A brash, loud, fast-talking animal with no concept of "quiet time." Cast an experienced performer who can sing well and has a whole lot of presence and character. Be sure to choose a performer who complements Shrek well as his loyal and ever-faithful sidekick.

A breakout role for a young girl with a lot of soul and spunk. She is a ferocious fire-breathing dragon but finds a surprising love in Donkey. Cast a performer who has tremendous presence and a good pop singing voice.

Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Make sure to cast good singers.

Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Make sure to cast good singers.

A role just right for a smaller, younger performer who is new to the stage. He may not have lines but he is very important to the storytelling.

The wooden boy who cannot tell a lie without being belied by his growing nose. Pinocchio begins in a sour mood about his second-class status but ends the story as a natural leader among the Fairy Tale Creatures. Cast a young performer with a lot of personality who can sing well.

 Pig 1, Pig 2 And Pig 3. The classic three little pigs with a German twist. It isn't necessary that they look identical; focus on finding a fun and dynamic trio.

He may be bitter about his unfortunate appearance, but he does find camaraderie among his fellow fairy tale outcasts. This is a fun comedic role for a new performer.

Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear. Great cameo roles for young performers who have little performing experience but make a complementary group.

A great role for a young performer destined to be a character actress. She has a big personality, so find a performer who is up to the task.

He doesn't need to be a scary, threatening big-bad-wolf type. At this point, he's a pretty tame wolf who is reduced to wearing Little Red Ridinghood's grandmother's dressing gown. This is a fun role for a newcomer to the stage.

A great cameo role for a young performer who is as earnest as can be. Gingy is based on the Gingerbread Man who runs away like a fugitive from his baking captors. Find a performer with great energy.

The boy who never grew up, and he continues to act the part in this story. Cast a boy (or girl, if you want to give a nod to the traditional theater casting) who will have fun physicalizing the character.

This role is just right for an actor with some inherent strength and authority. He or she doesn't have to have a lot of stage experience; just be sure to cast somebody who has a big, booming voice and who isn't scared to put all the Fairy Tale Creatures in their place.

The Dragon's background singers who all tried at some point to save Fiona from her tower but were held hostage by the Dragon. Cast young performers who can sing well and have some soul just like the Dragon.

Farquaad's comparably short and grumpy father. This is a perfect cameo role for a young performer.

The Fairy Tale Creatures make up the heart of the show. These characters are taken from the story books but have a bit of a comedic twist. Be sure to cast a diverse group of kids with lots of personality and different strengths. Your performers should be proficient singers but most importantly, great actors. Other standout ensemble roles include : The Guards, Duloc Performers, Puss in Boots, Rooster, Pied Piper, Rats and the Bishop. Ensemble roles like Birds, Trees, Deer, Woodland Creatures and Fairy Tale Creatures help make up the backbone of the musical. Remind your actors that the story demands everyone jump on board as you create the hilarious and lovely world of Shrek The Musical JR.